REDUCED INEQUALITIES

2023

Scientific Publications related to SDG 10* = 24

*During the period 2019-2023

 

Citation impact_ SDG10*= 1.11

*Annual average during the period 2019-2023

 

 

R&D activities (funded projects)

  • Title: Preventing thE PReventable – Familial HypErCholesterolaemia paediaTric screening for cardiOvascular health
  • Acronym: PERFECTO
  • Funding framework: EU4HEALTH
  • Αbstract: The PERFECTO project (“Preventing the Preventable – Familial Hypercholesterolemia Pediatric Screening for Cardiovascular Health”) is a pioneering initiative in personalized prevention, targeting the genetic roots of cardiovascular disease through social innovation. The project aims to establish a scientific basis for pediatric screening of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) across Europe, positively impacting affected individuals, families, and healthcare systems strained post-pandemic. Led by a diverse consortium—FH Europe Foundation (coordinator), EuroScan (Germany), Cyprus University of Technology, InnoMed (Romania), and EPHA (Belgium)—the project combines expertise in healthcare, social sciences, and participatory research. Collaborating with FH Europe (https://fheurope.org/), it aligns with SDGs 3, 10, and 16.
  • Title: Project for the Enhancement of the School Medical Service
  • Acronym: School4Health
  • Abstract: School Health Services (SHS) play a vital role in enhancing children’s health, but developing effective, evidence-based services that meet local needs poses challenges. In Cyprus, the Ministry of Health has collaborated with academia and various stakeholders to redesign SHS using a participatory action research approach. This process involved key departments from the Ministries of Health and Education, the State Health Services Organization, and organized parent associations. By identifying critical needs for SHS—such as improved organizational models and targeted interventions for obesity and mental health—this initiative fosters ongoing staff development and family engagement. It exemplifies how participatory research can create SHS that align with international standards and contribute to achieving SDGs 3, 4, 5, 6, and 10.
  • Title: Toolkit of Care
  • Acronym: TOC
  • Funding framework: COST
  • Abstract: The Covid-19 pandemic has intensified existing inequalities, severely affecting the precarious cultural sector, particularly in Inclusiveness Target and Near Neighbour countries with minimal government support for creative practitioners and NGOs. This crisis not only disrupts local cultural production but also restricts global access to their innovations. In response, an interdisciplinary group of creative practitioners, academics, researchers, and arts organizations, including CYENS (https://cyens.org.cy/), has formed a “critical network of care.” Their goal is to share expertise and develop care methodologies, resulting in a comprehensive TOOLKIT OF CARE that includes articles, prototypes, audiovisual documentation, technical manuals, and theoretical analyses. This toolkit will provide a model for effectively sharing knowledge across diverse regions and social groups, aligning with SDGs 5, 8, 10, 11, and 17.
  • Title: European Union’s REKonstructed content in 3D
  • Acronym: EUreka3D
  • Funding framework: DIGITAL
  • Abstract: This program collaborates with UNESCO and Professor Ioannides hold the UNESCO Chair on Digital Cultural Heritage at the Cyprus University of Technology. UNESCO’s mission is to contribute to the building of a culture of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. Moreover, it takes into account and contributes to the gender equality, Climate action and life below water.
  • Title: Co-curating in the Phygital Museum and the creation of alternative narratives and transcultural “voices” towards developing inclusive and sustainable museums
  • Acronym: Erasmus+ ExhiBIT
  • Funding framework: ERASMUS+
  • Abstract: The Erasmus+ Project Co-curating in the Phygital Museum emphasizes co-curatorship through “phygital” strategies, blending physical and digital experiences to foster broader visitor engagement in multicultural, post-pandemic museum spaces. Aligning with the EU’s Digital Education Action Plan (2021–2027), the ExhiBIT project supports Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) professionals in enhancing digital skills and pedagogical approaches to promote social inclusivity. By advancing co-curatorship practices, it facilitates dialogue with underrepresented societal groups to collaboratively shape inclusive and participatory museum environments.

Strategic Actions

Scholarships to students from Kenya and Uganda

The University, in partnership with the Archdiocese of Kenya, provides seven (7) full scholarships to students from Kenya and Uganda pursuing undergraduate degrees in Nursing and other programs at CUT.The Archdiocese oversees the selection process, and the scholarship includes a preparatory year dedicated to learning the Greek language (https://www.cut.ac.cy/digitalAssets/517/517200_100file.pdf pg. 38 ; https://www.cut.ac.cy/students/student-welfare-and-support/scholarships/international-students/)

 

Development and implementation of the Code of Practice for Addressing Bullying, Sexual Harassment, and Harassment

A significant achievement of the University is the development and implementation of its own Code of Practice for Addressing Bullying, Sexual Harassment, and Harassment (https://www.cut.ac.cy/digitalAssets/444/444590_100code_eng.pdf). The Code aligns the University’s operations with the Equal Treatment of Men and Women in Employment and Vocational Training Law of 2002 and aims to prevent and address unacceptable behaviors. Its goal is to foster a work and social environment in which the dignity of the individual is fully protected and respected by all members of the University community.

Non-discriminatory admissions policy

CUT is committed to fostering fairness, diversity, and equity, creating an inclusive community as outlined in its Equality Plan and Policy Statement on Equality. Admissions are free from discrimination based on race, religion, gender, age, disability, nationality, sexuality, or socio-economic status. Undergraduate admissions are based on nationwide exam rankings, while postgraduate admissions on merit and academic qualifications.

To ensure equal access for underrepresented and vulnerable groups, CUT implements positive discrimination policies, allocating up to 14% of Cypriot admissions for “special categories”, including candidates from families facing special circumstances (e.g. public financial assistance, orphanhood, severe family health issues), those with serious health conditions, psychiatric or learning difficulties and individuals from religious minorities, over 30, or parents of minors. Scholarships based on socio-economic criteria are also offered for Master’s and PhD students.

Access to university track underrepresented groups applications

CUT’s policies ensure equal access to programs for individuals from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. Special consideration for undergraduate admissions is given to candidates from families with special circumstances (e.g., public financial assistance, orphanhood, severe family health issues), individuals with serious health conditions (e.g., disabilities), psychiatric or learning difficulties, and those from religious minorities, over 30, or parents of minors. Also, Master’s and PhD candidates facing social, health, and economic challenges are considered for social support scholarships. Additionally, the Center for Student Development at CUT ensures students with disabilities receive comprehensive academic support.

All student application data, including those from underrepresented groups, are available and accessible through the Student Information System platform which is administered by the Studies and Student Affairs department. Statistics and metrics from those data can be extracted by readymade or upon-request reports.

Access to university underrepresented groups recruit

CUT demonstrates its dedication to promoting diversity and inclusivity in student and staff recruitment processes. Annually, it grants social support scholarships for Master’s and PhD students, in the form of tuition fees, based on socio-economic criteria. These are funded through postgraduate tuition revenues and other income beyond the state grant. During the academic year 2022-23, CUT provided support to 24 Master’s and PhD students through these scholarships, distributed across various departments. Underrepresented students and especially those with low income have the opportunity to work part-time at the university.

Further, in partnership with the Archdiocese of Kenya, CUT offers full scholarships to students from Kenya and Uganda for bachelor’s degrees in nursing and other fields. The scholarship includes a preparatory year focused on learning Greek. Additionally, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, CUT provides scholarships for postgraduate studies to students from Gambia, Guyana, Libya, and Palestine.

As far as the staff recruitment is concerned there is no positive (or negative) discrimination since the CUT applies an equal access/opportunities policy.

Anti-discrimination policy

CUT has developed comprehensive frameworks to promote inclusivity and equity across all areas of its operations. These include an Equality Plan, which aims to ensure equal opportunities for all members of the university community, and an Equal Accessibility Plan for persons with disabilities, which addresses the need for accessible working and learning environment and services for staff and students with disabilities and special educational needs. The University also enforces a Code of Practice to Prevent and Combat Bullying, Sexual Harassment, and Harassment, fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive work environment. To support students further, CUT has established the role of Student Ombuds to provide impartial assistance, address concerns and deal with cases of power abuse or harassment against students, ensuring fairness throughout the university experience.

University diversity officer

CUT, with the goal of achieving workplace equality, has established the Equality Committee. As an advisory body to the Rector, the Committee aims to enhance the University’s performance in diversity, inclusion and equality by focusing on three pillars: policy making, consulting and support, and information and awareness. The Diversity and Inclusion Office, reporting to the Rector, aims to empower the university community through initiatives that promote understanding and respect, and integrate diversity into the university culture, supporting individual differences and ensuring equal opportunities for all. In collaboration with the Equality Committee, the Office proposes and implements policies, action plans and tools for equality, diversity, and inclusion, such as an inclusive language guide, and organises public events and internal trainings to raise awareness on these issues.

Support for underrepresented groups

CUT is dedicated to supporting the well-being of its community, with a focus on underrepresented groups. To assist students facing socioeconomic challenges, such as low-income families, disabilities, or health issues, the University provides support based on socioeconomic criteria, including:

  • Financial aid (cash and/or food vouchers) through the Student Welfare Association.
  • Free daily lunches in partnership with the Bishopric of Limassol.
  • Housing support, including allowances or subsidised accommodation at 50% of the actual cost.
  • Scholarships and financial aid from the Student Welfare Association
  • Tuition fee exemptions for Master’s and PhD students
  • Employment opportunities at the University.

CUT also enhances access to education and personal growth with services like a preparatory Greek language year for international students and services from the Center of Student Development, offering counselling, disability assistance, dyslexia support, group tutoring, and more.

Accessible facilities

CUT is committed to accessibility for all students, staff, and visitors, despite its urban location within the city centre and dispersed facilities across various buildings. To meet diverse needs of its community, CUT has installed ramps and elevators throughout its buildings, ensuring mobility for individuals with physical disabilities. Moreover, the use of braille language further supports blind or visually impaired individuals. Through these measures, CUT demonstrates its dedication to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all members of its community, regardless of their physical abilities or disabilities.

Disability support services

Through the Center of Student Development, CUT offers support services for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses, ensuring their rights as equal members of the student community and improving their quality of life during their studies. The support provided to each student is personalised, addressing their individual needs and considering the severity and specific circumstances of their situation.

Services include traffic attendants, text enlargement/translation, transcription for exams, special equipment, and practical lecture or exam accommodations. Individual tutoring is also offered in study rooms, which is conducted by qualified staff or advanced-year students. Additional measures are implemented based on specific needs.

In 2023, support was provided to 127 students with blindness or severe vision problems, deafness or severe hearing difficulties, wheelchair bound or movement problems, serious psychiatric or psychological issues, and other significant health problems.

Disability access scheme

CUT is committed to ensuring access for individuals with disabilities through its action plan, which promotes equality, diversity, and an inclusive working and learning environment. The plan focuses on fostering respect and belonging by:

  • Building an inclusive organizational culture.
  • Providing accessible and flexible education with equal support.
  • Ensuring safe physical and digital infrastructures.
  • Attracting and retaining staff with disabilities.

The Center of Student Development offers targeted support, including mentoring, counselling, and psychotherapeutic services through individual appointments. CUT also provides traffic attendants, text enlargement, translation, transcription for exams, special equipment, and practical accommodations for lectures and exams (e.g., extensions, overlooking spelling errors, or dedicated spaces). Additional support includes individual tutoring reinforcement courses, and other measures to meet diverse and specific needs.

Disability accommodation policy

CUT prioritises support services for students with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive and accessible learning environment. The University offers tailored accommodations to help students succeed academically, socially, and personally. Facilities in Limassol and Paphos are accessible, with ramps, elevators featuring raised numerals and braille signage, adaptable classrooms, accessible restrooms, and dedicated parking space. Additionally, several residence halls (including the one in Paphos and the planned in Limassol at the area of Veregaria) offer adapted accommodations for students with physical disabilities. CUT also provides subsidised housing at approximately 50% of the cost, ensuring affordability. Moreover, the Center for Student Development supports students with disabilities, offering services such as traffic attendants, text enlargement, exam transcription, special equipment, exam accommodations, and individual tutoring.